Pump

ABSTRACT

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO A SIMPLE, SMALL, RELATIVELY QUIET AND ECONOMICAL, HIGH EFFICIENCY FLUID PUMP. IT IS DISTINGUISHED BY A PUMP HOUSING CONSTITUTED BY A TUBE SECTION COMPARTMENTED BY A DIAMETRAL PLATE ANGLED TO THE LINE OF FLOW AND CAPPED BY END PLATES SIMPLY INTERCONNECTED, ONE OF WHICH MOUNTS THEREON AN ECCENTRIC DRIVE FOR A DIAPHRAGM TYPE PUMPING ELEMENT BRIDGING AN OPENING IN THE HOUSING. THIS INVENTION RELATES, ACCORDINGLY, TO IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPS AND WILL BE ILLUSTRATED, MORE PARTICULARLY, BY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS IN THE NATURE OF DIAPHRAGM TYPE PUMPS.

P 20, 1971 L. E. RUSSELL 3,606,597

' PUMP Filed June 5, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet l e 60 FIG-2 INVENTOR LINUS E.RUSSELL BY fumefflrm A TTORNE Y Sept. 2@, 1971 E RUSSELL 3,606,597

PUMP

Filed June 5, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet z M/l/E/VTOR LINUS E. RUSSELL A TTORNEY United States Patent 3,606,597 PUMP Linus E. Russell, Springfield,Ohio, assignor to Peters and Russell, Inc., Springfield, Ohio Filed June5, 1969, Ser. No. 830,761 Int. Cl. F0411 11/00 US. Cl. 417-542 3 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a simple, small,relatively quiet and economical, high efiiciency fluid pump. It isdistinguished by a pump housing constituted by a tube sectioncompartmented by a diametral plate angled to the line of allow andcapped by end plates simply interconnected, one of which mounts thereonan eccentric drive for a diaphragm type pumping element bridging anopening in the housing.

This invention relates, accordingly, to improvements in pumps and willbe illustrated, more particularly, by preferred embodiments in thenature of diaphragm type pumps.

BACKGROUND The pump art is old and highly developed. However, it hasthrough the years proven quite diflicult to produce a pump which is bothetficient nad economical. As a matter of fact, there are so many lossfactors inherent n pumping structure that irrespective of cost the pumpis generally distinguished by a relatively low operatlng efficiency.Also, noise continues to be a factor in pump operation. While this hasbeen alleviated to some degree in certain pumps, the problem stillplagues the industry, particularly in respect to inexpensive pumps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to thesolution of the above noted problems and produces ancillary benefits. Itprovides for a pump structure which can readily be assembled anddisassembled, producing a reduction in the cost of manufacture andlending ease and speed to maintenance procedures, if any should berequired. Component parts are simple in configuration, minimal in numberand optimally disposed, enabling a relatively high degree of efficiencyin use and minimal cost for the finished unit. The direct minimal flowpath achieved in the invention pump is a distinct factor in achievingthe relatively high efliciency under which the pump operates in arelatively quiet manner.

It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a pumpwhich is economical to manufacture, more efficient and satisfactory inuse, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely tomalfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simply constructed pumpinvolving a minimal number of parts which can be quickly assembled ordisassembled, as needs require.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pumpdistinguished by relatively high efficiency and quiet operation.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a pump distinguishedby a pump housing constituted by a tube section compartmented by adiametral plate angled to the line of flow through said pump and cappedby end plates which are simply interconnected.

'Another object of the invention is to provide an improved diaphragmtype pump possessing the advantageous structure features, the inherentmeritorious characteristics and the means and mode of operation hereindescribed.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fullyappear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected byLetters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts andcombinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter describedor illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the drawings in which preferred embodiments but not theonly forms of embodiment of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the portion of the pump constituting itshousing and the motor mounting pump base;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder component shown in FIG.2 and its orientation in the pump housing;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the tubular housing segment shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the pump housing taken on line 55 of FIG 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the diaphragm ring illustrated in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a modification of the pump unit illustrated in FIGS.1 through 6.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe several views.

The improved pump here illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawingsis distinguished by a pump housing 10 the body of which is constitutedby a tube section 11 compartmented into two chambers 12 and 13 by anintegrally formed diametral plate 14. Plate 14 is angled to the line offlow through the pump, being interposed between two diametrally oppositeapertures in the tube wall. One aperture forms an inlet 15 and the otheran outlet 16. Rimming the inlet 15 is a radially projected tubularadapter 17. Rimming the outlet 16 and projected radially outward of thetube 11, coaxial with adapter 17, is an adapter 18. The external surfaceof each adapter is stepped in order to frictionally couple thereto ahose or other conduit medium, on installation in a fluid transfersystem.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings, it may be there seen that each oftube section 11 has formed therein an identical groove 19. To theinner-side of each groove 19 the tube wall is foreshortened.

Note that the plate 14 forms a wall segment which has a depth only abouttwo-thirds that of the tube 11. It extends from a plane immediatelyadjacent and spaced from the one end 20 of the tube wall, which planeincludes an aforementioned foreshortened end portion of the wall. Theinteriorly projected extremity of the plate 11 has formed integraltherewith and perpendicular thereto a disc-like plate portion 21. Theplate portion 21 eX- tends transverse to the tube and has its peripheralportion integrally joined with the tube wall. Formed in the plateportion 21 on a line perpendicular to the plate portion 14 are twoapertures 22 and 23. The aperture 22 disposes on the. inlet side of theplate 14 while the aperture 23 disposes on its outlet side. As seen inFIG. 4 of the drawings, the uppermost surface of the plate portion 21 isstepped in rimming relation to each of the apertures 22 and 23. In theone instance this step serves to seat an inlet valve assembly 24 and inthe other instance an outlet valve assembly 25. Each valve assemblyincludes a multi-apertured plate and a flexible disc coextensive withthe plate, the connection between these elements being limited to theircenters.

Again, with reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, as there illustrated,the end 20 of the tube 11 may be considered as its bottom. This bottomis bridged and sealed by a formed flexible diaphragm in the nature of abladder 26. Noting FIG. 3 of the drawings, the bladder 26 includes aring-like beaded flange 27 at its outer periphery which forms its base.Common to the plane of the flange 27 is a thin diametral strip 28 whichhas a central aperture. The strip 28 divides the diaphragm in half justasthe plate 14 divides the interior of the tube 11 into two equalchambers below the plate 21. Intermediate the strip 28 and the circularflange 27, the bladder 26 is contoured to form a hemicylindrical dome 29to either side of the strip. In application of the bladder, the bead onflange 27 fits into the groove. 19 in the end 20 of the tube 11 and abead longitudinally of the strip 28 seats into a complementary groove inthe lowermost edge of the plate 14 while the central aperture in strip28 aligns with a threaded recess in the abutted surface of plate 14. Thebase of the tube and each of the chambers 12 and 13 is thereby bridgedand sealed. Moreover one of the hollow dome formed bladder portions 29projects interiorly of each the chambers 12 and 13. To the hollowedinner side of each dome portion 29 the bladder is formed withreinforcing ribs 29 which are arranged in a plane centrally of and in asense perpendicular to the strip 28. Note that the tops 30 of the domeformed portions 29 are flat and define a plane substantially common towhich are peripheral edge portions of inlet 15 and outlet 16. It isprovided in this manner that the top portions 30 of the bladder 26provide essentially what constitutes a resilient bottoming floor forfluid inflow to chamber 12 and fluid outflow from chamber 13.

The flange 27 and the strip 28 are abutted in back by a base plate 31which forms thereby, with each of the domes 29, a sealed air filledchamber 31'. The base plate 31 projects peripherally of the bladder andthe abutted end of the tube 11 to fix the position of the bladder 26. Acentral aperture in plate 31 receives therethrough a screw which isthreadedly engaged through the central aperture in strip 28 and into thethreaded recess in the bottom of plate 14. The plate 31 is so connectedto the tube 11.

Take particular note that the base plate 31 is peripherally extendedabout the bottom of the tube 11 and includes, in equidistant spacedrelation thereabout four threaded apertures 32. It also includes threerelatively projected portions in the peripheral edge of each of which isa notch 33. Frictionally engaged in each of these notches is the body ofa resilient mounting grommet 34, each of which has a tubular form, toprovide a central through aperture for a mounting bolt or like fixingdevice. The grommets 34 have a circumferential groove to accommodatetheir insertion in the notches 33, to be held thereby to the base platein an obvious manner.

Formed on a side portion of the tube 11 to communicate with the chamber13 are relatively projected bosses 35 in which are defined aperturesopening to this chamber. These bosses may serve to mount a pressureswitch unit, where such is necessary.

Accordingly, it will be seen that the lower portion of the tube 11, asit is oriented in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, is so contained andformed to provide two side-by-side hemi-cylindrical chambers at the baseof each of which is a vertically projected resiliently flexible floorstructure 30 in substantially bridging relation thereto, at a level withthe line of flow to or from the chambers, as the case may be. Theopenings in the plate 21 forming the tops of the chambers are normallysealed by one-way valve units which provide for a one-way flow betweenthe chambers.

The plate 21 together with its inset valve units defines a floor to apocket 36 which is defined thereby in the uppermost end of the tube 11.As will be seen, this pocket will provide for a pumping chamber offeringa passage for movement of fluid between the chambers 12 and 13. Noteshould be taken that the valve assemblies are suitably contained atadjacent upper surface portions of their outer peripheries by a flatsuitably contoured retainer plate 38. The plate 38 consists of a dischaving diametrically opposite peripheral notches 39. On a diameterbetween these notches are symetrically positioned apertures 40 whichreceive therethrough, in the positioning of the plate, tits 41 whichproject upwardly from the plate 21 in line with the upper edge of theplate 14.

concentrically slip fit in the upper end of the tube 11 to seat over andon outer peripheral limits of the valve assemblies and plate 38 is adiaphragm ring 43. The outer periphery of the ring 43 is in bearingcontact with the inner surface of the tube 11. Formed in the seatingbottom surface of the ring 43, at diametrically opposite portions of itsinner periphery, are contoured recesses 44 having the form of segmentsof a spherical surface. The recesses 44 are so contoured and they are sopositioned as to provide surfaces immediately curving upwardly of,about, and over the diametrically opposite remote extremities of theinlet and outlet valves from points most adjacent and over,respectively, the inlet 15 and the outlet 16.

Immediately superposed over the diaphragm ring 43 and the adjacent endof the tube 11 is a diaphragm 45. The latter includes on a diameterthereof a central aperture 46 and equidistantly spaced therefrom, inopposite directions, a pair of additional apertures 47 which align witha pair of similar apertures in the ring 43. The diameter of thediaphragm is larger than the diameter of the ring 43 and the interiordiameter of the tube 11. As a matter of fact, it is sufiiciently largeenough that the outer peripheral portions of the diaphragm will projectover and into the groove 19 in the tube end. On interconnection of thediaphragm 45 and the ring 43, as will be further described, the pumpingportion of the diaphragm will fall over the opening defined by theinterior dimension of the ring 43'. Fixed over the diaphragm 45 to capit and the end of the tube 11 remote from the base plate 31 is anannular plate 50. The latter has threaded apertures which respectivelyalign with the aligned pairs of apertures in the diaphragm 45 and ring43. Each set of aligned apertures mutually receive therethrough a screw60 the head of which abuts the ring 43 and the threaded extremity ofwhich fixes in the plate 50. Thus, one may on removal of plate 50 lifttherewith the diaphragm and the diaphragm ring to expose the valves 24and 25. The advantage for assembly and maintenance is believed obvious.

One edge portion 51 of the outer periphery of the plate 50 is truncatedto form thereon a straight edge. Superposed on the outer surface of theannular plate 50, with a flanged base substantially parallel to theplate edge 51 and adjacent thereto, is a perpendicularly projected motormounting plate 52. The latter has divergent wing portions 53 the basesof which are flanged and seat to almost diametrically opposite surfaceportions of the plate 50, adjacent its outer periphery. As the motormounting plate 52 is disposed, it rises immediately of the centralaperture in the plate 50, adjacent the peripheral edge portion thereofwhich is rearmost when viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.

It should be noted that both the plate 50 and the base plate 31 havefour rectangularly positioned apertures, the apertures 32 in the plate31 being threaded. On mounting of the base plate and the annular plate50 these apertures are positioned in direct alignment. Formed atpositions spaced 90 degrees apart on the outer surface of the tube 11are guides 55 which align with the respectively aligned apertures in theplates 31 and 50. As may be seen from the drawings, bolts 56 areprojected through the upper aperture 54 in the annular plate 50 to havethe heads thereof abut the plate 50 and the bodies thereof projectthrough the related guides on the exterior of the tube 11. The threadedextremities of the bolts are threadedly engaged in the aligned apertures32 in the base plate 31.

In this manner, as may be readily seen, the simple interconnection ofthe plates 31 and 50 establish a fixed containment not only of thediaphragm 45 but of the tube 11 and the portions of the pump which areinteriorly contained. It may therefore be readily seen that the pumpunit as provided in the illustrated embodiment of the invention may beeasily assembled and disassembled with a minimum of effort. The handlingof the parts require no special capabilities or knowledge. Theadvantages of this in commercial application should be readily apparent.The parts are simply related and simply constructed so that one may beable to readily reach and replace any one or more parts from availablespares.

Looking further to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, it may be there seenthat in a general area common to that of the aperture defined by theannular plate 50, which aperture exposes a bridging portion of thediaphragm 45, the plate 52 has a central aperture through which projectsa hub-like extension of a motor unit 58. This unit includes mountingportions suitably bolted to the outermost surface of the plate 52 with astabilizing gasket (not shown) therebetween. From the hub portion of themotor 58 projects its drive shaft 59 which projects into a cavity in aneccentric 60L A set screw is provided to suitably fix the eccentric tothe motor drive shaft. From the surface of the eccentric outermost fromthe plate 52 projects an eccentrically positioned control pin 61. Thelatter projects interiorly of and is suitably contained to bear in theupper end of a connecting rod 63. The base of the rod 63 is suitablyfixed to the center of the exposed portion of the diaphragm 45, spacedwithin the inner periphery of the annular plate 50.

Looking to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may therefore be seen that ondrive of the motor mounting to the plate 52 the rod 63 will beeccentrically reciprocated to flex the exposed portion of the diaphragm45 within the inner limits of the ring 43-, in a plane generally commonto the inlet 15 and the outlet 16 in the input and output chambers ofthe pump.

Thus, the simple and optical efficiency enabled by the economical pumphere described may be readily recognized. When one desires to initiatethe operation of the pump, this may be effected by any suitable manualor automatically acting means. As the rod 63 is eccentrically moved tolift up on the portion of the diaphragm most adjacent the inlet 15, asuction will be produced at said inlet which is passed through theflapper portion of the inlet valve to the input chamber. Irrespective ofthe orientation of the pump an inflow to the chamber 12 will immediatelyfind a resilient floor, as provided by the flat at the top 30 of thedome portion 29. Moreover, as the inflow occurs, it will be immediatelyfaced by an angular wall defined by the plate 14. The relation of thedome 29 to this angular surface provided by the plate 14, as itresiliently supports the inflow, is such that they work together toinduce a swift accelerated swirling flow off the plate 14 and around thearcuate portion of the wall of chamber 12. This flow is caused to moveupward of the floor, the resiliency of the floor contributing energy tothe movement and damping any tendency of the flow to pulsate and knock.The bladder dome 29 produces reactive energy which relieves the powerrequirements for operating the diaphragm through the medium of theconnecting rod 63. The inlet valve 24 will have its flapper portionlifted in the course of the insuction and the inflow is swift. Moreover,as the inflow moves past the inlet valve assembly to the pumping chamber36 and is directly exposed to the diaphragm 45, the eccentric will rockthe diaphragm oppositely to push the flowing fluid to and through theoutlet valve and into the output chamber 13. In respect to the flowpattern within the pumping chamber, particular attention is directed tothe function of the recesses 44 in the bottom of the diaphragm ring 43.The recesses contoured to the form of segments of a sphere will ineffect contain the inflow to the pumping chamber and direct it acrossthe pumping chamber during the lateral pushing by the diaphragm oneccentric flexing thereof. As the flow moves to the portion of thepumping chamber over the outlet valve, it may be seen that it will movedirectly on to the surface of recess 44 and be guided thereby directlyto and through the outlet valve in a contained fashion. As the flowenters the output chamber, again there is an angular surface provided bythe plate 14 as well as an arcuate surface by the rest of the chamberwall. This will cause a smooth quiet downward spiralling of the flow tothe floor defined by the top of the domed portion 29 of the bladder 26.The resiliency of the surface provided at the top of the dome portion 29of the bladder is enhanced by the air pocket thereunder to insure asmooth flow pattern and to provide reactant energy which may be appliedto the swirling flow to expedite its discharge through the outlet.

All in all, the structure providing the simple and direct flow path andthe simple and economical pump just described tends to minimizefrictional losses not only by a reduction of the flow path but bymaintaining the flow in an optimal quiet and swiftly moving pattern. Theadvantages thus achieved by the invention are believed selfevident andproduce a distinct advance in the art of rendering pumps moreeconomical, more eflicient in use and easier to fabricate and maintainwith less likelihood of malfunction.

FIG. 7 of the drawings shows a modification of the pump unit as revealedin FIG. 1 where the body of the pump and the pumping chambers areprovided as just described and similarly clamped between plates. In thecase of FIG. 7, similar parts are identified by similar numerals. Theonly difference here is that the pump body is turned on its side. Thus,here we have the pump body in the form of the tube 11' capped by endplates 31' and 50'. Each of the plates 31 and 50 have in identicalperipheral portions thereof right angled flange type mounting brackets70. These brackets, as is obvious from FIG. 7, are projectedperpendicular to and oppositely from the respect1ve plates. Note thateach bracket is notched to frictionally contain a mounting grommet 71such as the grommet 34 previously described. Of course, the grommetsserve for projection therethrough of bolts to secure the pump 1n anydesired position of use and in a fixed relation to a supportingstructure.

In the case of FIG. 7, there is some modification of the mount of themotor unit 57' which powers the pump. In this case, the connecting rod63', which relates to the operating diaphragm 45' as in the firstdescribed embodiment, mounts to an eccentric on the end of a stub typeshaft 74 rotatable in bearings 75 supported in a housing fixed to amotor mounting plate 76. It may be seen that there is extended in afixed relation to the plate 76 an extension 77 to which the motor 57'mounts to one side of the pump unit. The'motor drive shaft is in thisinstance connected to the stub shaft 74 by a belt and pulley arrangement78. Details of this last arrangement may be conventionally efl'ected andare believed obvious from the drawings. They are not further describedsince the specifics thereof, to the extent not described, are wellapparent and within the skill of one versed in the art with the presentdrawings before them.

In summary, it has been here shown how one may achieve a pump which isnot only economical but so characterized by its structure to inherentlyprovide a relatively unexpected operating efliciency. All the objectivesof the invention are clearly evidenced and the advantages are achievedas set forth in the introduction hereto. It is of particularsignificance that one may on a simple disengagement of screws 56 liftfrom the pump the annular plate 50 the powered operating elements andthe diaphragm and diaphragm retainer, leaving the interior of thepumping chamber exposed for inspection and maintenance. Note that thiscan be accomplished without any disturbance of the balance of the pump,or the related plumbing, mounting or electrical connections.

There is yet another and unobvious feature of the invention. The use ofthe tube 11 and plates 31 and 50 as described enables that the tube 11be fabricated of plastic. By making the plates 31 and 50 of steel ormaterial of like strength, on application thereof to cap the tube 11 andtheir drawing together by bolts 56 the tube 11 is placed under axialcompression to endow it with physical characteristics of strength, andresistance to flow or distortion, beyond the natural capabilities of theinexpensive plastic material employed. Thus one may produce at low costa high quality pump housing.

Of course, the invention is shown in its preferred embodiments and thereobviously may be modification without departing from the particularinventive concept here presented.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thusprovided a device of the character described possessing the particularfeatures of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but whichobviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions,detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from theprinciple involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A pump comprising a body segment open at at least one end andincluding an internal construction forming separated inlet and outletchambers and a pumping chamber in common communication with said inletand outlet chambers, said construction including a transverse wallintermediate the ends of said segment between which wall and said oneend of said segment is formed the pumping chamber, said inlet and saidoutlet chambers being positioned between said wall and the opposite endof said segment and communicating with said pump.- ing chamber throughrespectively separated openings in said wall, pump means in a closingrelation to said one end of said segment, inlet and outlet openings insaid segment communicating with respective inlet and outlet chambersadjacent said transverse wall, floor means in each of said inlet andoutlet chambers including resilient dome-like structures rising from thesaid opposite end of said segment substantially to said inlet and saidoutlet, valve means controlling flow through the said separated openingsin said transverse wall in response to operation of said pump means,said opposite end of said segment being open, said floor means being ina closing relation to said opposite end of said segment and furtherincluding plate means common to said inlet and outlet chambers clampingsaid dome structures to said opposite end of said segment, said domestructures being comprised of separated bulbous portions rising intorespective inlet and outlet chambers and being a unitary one-piecedevice in which said structures include semi-cylindrical portions inopposing relation to one another and separated by a transverse channel,said segment further including another cross wall perpendicular to thefirst said wall, one

8 edge thereof merging with the first said wall and the opposite edgeterminating substantially in the plane of the said opposite end of saidsegment, said other wall cooperating in the defining of said inlet andoutlet chambers and being received in the said channel between saidsemi-cylindrical dome structures.

2. A pump according to claim 1 wherein the said opposite edge of saidother wall seats in the bottom of said transverse channel, characterizedby fastener means extending from the exterior of said segment at saidopposite end thereof through said plate means and through the bottom ofsaid channel into said other wall.

3. A pump comprising a body segment open at at least one end andincluding an internal construction forming separated inlet and outletchambers and a pumping chamber in common communication with said inletand outlet chambers, said construction including a transverse wallintermediate the ends of said segment between which wall and said oneend of said segment is formed the pumping chamber, said inlet and saidoutlet chambers being positioned between said wall and the opposite endof said segment and communicating with said pumping chamber throughrespectively separated openings in said wall, pump means in a closingrelation to said one end of said segment, inlet and outlet openings insaid segment communicating with respective inlet and outlet chambersadjacent said transverse wall, floor means in each of said inlet andoutlet chambers including resilient dome-like structures rising from thesaid opposite end of said segment substantially to said inlet and saidoutlet, valve means controlling flow through the said separated openingsin said transverse wall in response to operation of said pump means,said pump means including a diaphragm in closing relation to said oneend of said segment, means for reciprocating said diaphragm, and a platebetween said diaphragm and said transverse wall having a side facingsaid wall contoured for a directed flow through said pumping chamberbetween said separated openings in said wall, the one said side of saidplate being formed with circumferentially spaced apart contouredrecesses, said plate being angularly oriented to place a contouredrecess in a partly superposing relation to each of the separatedopenings in said wall.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,779,353 1/1957 Cofiey 4l75422,942,550 6/1960 Carter 103224 3,291,065 12/1966 Elder et a1. 103-1503,462,073 8/1969 Russell 230- FOREIGN PATENTS 803,539 10/1958 GreatBritain 103-150 CARLTON R. CROYLE, Primary Examiner R. E. GLUCK,Assistant Examiner

